The BBC has for the first time dived into the world of big tech for its director general.
With reports swirling these past few weeks, the corporation has confirmed that former Google EMEA chief Matt Brittin will take on the most powerful role in British broadcasting, replacing Tim Davie. He will join on May 18 and will be paid £565,000 ($756,000), an increase on Davie’s compensation of nearly £545,000.
BBC chair Samir Shah said: “Matt brings to the BBC deep experience of leading a high-profile and highly-complex organisation through transformation. He is an outstanding leader and has the skills needed to navigate the organisation through the many changes taking place in the media market and in audience behaviours.
“Matt’s passion for the BBC, his understanding of the challenges facing the organisation, his commitment to its independence and his determination to maintain the BBC’s position as one of the country’s greatest national assets were critical factors in the Board’s decision to appoint him as the 18th director general.”
Watch on Deadline
In his first remarks in the job, Brittin described the BBC as an “extraordinary, uniquely British asset” that he is “honored” to lead. “Working alongside so many talented journalists, creatives and technicians, across the country and around the world, I join with humility, to listen, to learn, to lead, and to serve the public, working hard to earn their trust every day,” he continued.
“This is a moment of real risk, yet also real opportunity. The BBC needs the pace and energy to be both where stories are, and where audiences are. To build on the reach, trust and creative strengths today, confront challenges with courage, and thrive as a public service fit for the future. I can’t wait to start this work.”
A former McKinsey & Company consultant, Brittin spent 18 years at Google, rising to become the tech titan’s president in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He left Google last year to embark on what his LinkedIn describes as a “gap year,” in which he has spent time reading and running. A “part-time athlete,” he represented Team GB in the 1989 World Rowing Championships.
Initially, the race to replace Davie was being led by three female executives: Apple TV Europe boss Jay Hunt, ex-BBC content boss Charlotte Moore and former Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon. They all passed on the role. This means the wait for a female director general at the 100-year-old broadcaster goes on, possibly into another decade.
Brittin emerged as the frontrunner further down the line, and sources said his candidacy was strengthened by the paucity of other candidates.
Brittin, who has served on the board of The Guardian and the Media Trust, is seen by many as a strong voice who can take the BBC into the future as charter renewal approaches, using his tech credentials. Although he hasn’t worked in TV, he is regarded as a champion of public broadcasting who has experience managing a big organization.
Some, however, have flagged his lack of editorial experience, pointing out that editorial dramas were what spelled the end for Davie. It is anticipated that Brittin will hire a deputy DG, someone who could have news experience. He also needs to cement a new head of news to replace Deborah Turness.
Brittin’s confidence when appearing in front of parliamentary committees will also be under scrutiny. Ten years ago, he was embarrassed at a hearing about Google’s commitment to paying corporation tax when he appeared to suggest he didn’t know how much he was paid.
Davie, who dramatically quit in November over a misleadingly edited Donald Trump documentary, formally steps down early next month. He is currently handing over to Rhodri Talfan Davies, who is now leading meetings as the BBC’s interim director general.